The Driver - Summer 2016 The Driver - Summer 2016 | Page 18

2016 AJAC
EcoRun:
It’s all about the numbers.

by

David Taylor

F

ive years ago, the Automobile
Journalists Association of
Canada (AJAC) held the very first
EcoRun between Brighton and London.
Subsequent years saw the event in
Quebec, twice in British Columbia and
this year, back in Ontario between
Toronto and Ottawa.
This event showcases some of the
most eco (green) minded vehicles
on our roads today. The intent is to
provide a platform for a broad range
of seemingly disparate vehicles and
present consumers with real world
information on just how green (fuel
efficient) each automobile is.

When the time comes to buy or
lease a brand new vehicle or even a
previously-owned model, there are
two key factors which may influence
your decision.
1. What is my monthly payment?
2. What kind of mileage might I
expect?
Monthly payments are predicated by
key factors.
1. How much of a deposit (if any)
will you make?
2. What is the interest rate?
3. What is the term of the loan?

“[The EcoRun] showcases some of the
most eco (green) minded vehicles on
our roads today.”

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THE DRIVER

With those three facts, you will be
aware of your monthly payment, net
of all applicable taxes long before you
drive off the lot.
When the time comes to determine
your anticipated mileage/fuel
consumption every automotive reseller
can provide you with numbers usually
based upon three types of driving:
city; highway; and, combined (city and
highway).
These numbers are provided by
NRCan (Natural Resources Canada) the
Federal government ministry formed
in 1995. In fact, for every 2016 model
vehicle, you may consult the table on
their website: www.nrcan.gc.ca.
Is the data prepared by NRCan
considered accurate in terms of fuel
consumption—specifically the number
of litres a vehicle will use to travel 100
kilometres? In their tests, yes.
However, the following actual real
world results may surprise you.
The first week of June 2016 marked
the fifth anniversary of the annual
event known as the AJAC EcoRun that
brought together 27 vehicles ranging